NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – As part of the ongoing investigation into a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in the South Bronx, initial tests have identified Legionella DNA in a cooling tower located at Yankee Stadium. The City of New York is actively examining a cluster of Legionnaires’ disease cases. By Tuesday night, authorities confirmed 11 infections, including one fatality. Three individuals remain hospitalized. The New York City Health Department has pinpointed 10 cooling towers with preliminary positive PCR results across ZIP codes 10451 and 10456, covering parts of Melrose and Morrisania.
During the investigation, city health officials collected samples from 24 cooling towers, with 10 testing positive via PCR analysis. Among these was the cooling tower at Yankee Stadium, situated at 1 E. 161st St. PCR testing detects genetic material from Legionella bacteria but does not confirm whether the bacteria are alive. Since only live Legionella bacteria pose an infection risk, further laboratory culture testing is ongoing to assess the presence of viable bacteria in the sampled towers.
The Yankees stated that no confirmed cases within this outbreak cluster have been linked to Yankee Stadium. The team clarified that its cooling towers were installed in 2024 and are regularly tested for water quality. According to the Yankees, a Legionella test on Aug. 20 yielded a negative result. The team also performed weekly water and bacteriological indicator tests on Aug. 26, Sept. 2, and Sept. 9, prior to the city collecting its PCR sample on Sept. 11.
Cooling tower cleaning follows positive preliminary findings
The New York City Health Department ordered comprehensive cleaning and disinfection of all 10 towers that tested positive via PCR. Remediation was required to be completed by Sept. 14. On Tuesday, Health Commissioner Alister Martin confirmed that all towers with concerning positive results had been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. The Yankees reported that the Yankee Stadium cooling tower was drained, cleaned, and disinfected on Sept. 13 after the city notified them of the preliminary PCR result.
Legionnaires’ disease, caused by Legionella bacteria, manifests as a form of pneumonia. Infections typically occur through inhalation of tiny water droplets containing the bacteria. The disease is not generally spread from person to person. Symptoms can include fever, cough, and breathing difficulties. Officials advised individuals who have lived, worked, or visited the South Bronx area since late August to seek medical advice if they develop flu-like symptoms.
City persists with investigation into South Bronx Legionnaires’ cases
According to health authorities, eight of the 10 towers with positive preliminary results have adhered to the city’s 31-day Legionella testing requirement. Two locations had not submitted the necessary testing documentation when the findings were announced. The ongoing investigation focuses on cooling towers in the affected South Bronx neighborhoods, including sites at Yankee Stadium and other properties. Officials continue to analyze laboratory results and epidemiological data to identify the source of exposure linked to the confirmed illnesses.
The Health Department assured residents in ZIP codes 10451 and 10456 that they can continue drinking tap water, taking showers, and using air conditioning unless new guidance is issued. It was also clarified that being inside buildings connected to these 10 cooling towers does not pose additional risk. The Yankees stated that city health officials have not requested the postponement of games at Yankee Stadium. The department remains vigilant, monitoring confirmed cases while laboratory testing proceeds on samples collected during the South Bronx investigation.